San Diego International Airport (SAN) Restaurants At Glance
Walking into an airport generally gives you a pretty good feeling that you are going to be deprived of good food for a while, but Terminals 1 and 2 of San Diego are really bent on proving that airport food can really be the best part of your trip. If you have a layover or arrive early, walking around the various eateries at San Diego International Airport is an excellent way to get a taste of Southern California without leaving the terminal. Surpassing even the world-class craft beers that have put the city on the map, you will find that the food here is a curated reflection of San Diego’s vibrant neighborhoods, with authentic street tacos and coastal seafood.
Dining Options at San Diego International Airport (SAN)
When you travel through SAN Airport, you will be amazed by the varying food options the airport offers you.
- Local Eats (Terminal 1)
This area is a tribute to San Diego’s well-known food scene. At The Taco Stand, you can buy authentic Tijuana-style tacos, get the signature local coffee at Better Buzz, or enjoy the innovative Mexican dishes at Novecientos Grados, a project featuring skate legend Tony Hawk.
- Sit-Down Dining (Terminal 2 West):
If you get free time before your flight, the terminal serves the finest, most relaxed meals. You could gorge on world-renowned mesquite-grilled ribs at Phil’s B.B.Q. or have a classy, full-service meal at the PGA TOUR Grill or Prado at the Airport.
- Grab and Go (Terminal 2 East)
This section is perfect for travelers who don’t have much time. There you will find reliable favorites like California Pizza Kitchen and Panda Express. Also, the Artisan Market offers sandwiches and salads for you to take right onto the plane.
- Grab and Drink
Have a quick drink before the flight. At Cutwater, you will find a great selection of local craft beers and spirits in Terminal 1, or, if you prefer, you can enjoy a glass of fine wine accompanied by a light snack at Beaudevin Wine & Tapas Bar in
Complete List of San Diego International Airport (SAN) Restaurants
Whether you’re craving a quick bite or browsing for last-minute essentials, San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers a variety of dining and shopping options across its terminals. This guide helps you explore the best places to eat and shop before takeoff.
| Restaurant | Description & Key Menu Items | Location |
| Parfait Cafe Paris | French pastries, award-winning macarons, and handmade sandwiches. | Terminal 1, near the security checkpoint |
| Better Buzz | Local small-batch coffee, espresso drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and acai bowls. | Terminal 1, Gate 119 |
| The Taco Stand | Tijuana-style street tacos, burritos, quesadillos, and handmade tortillas. | Terminal 1, Gate 116 |
| Ambrogio 15 | Authentic Milano-style thin-crust pizza (Gluten-free available). | Terminal 1, Gate 116 |
| JT Bros | Handcrafted sub sandwiches (Bahn Mi, Wagyu meatball). | Terminal 1, Gate 116 |
| Luna Grill | Fresh Mediterranean cuisine, which includes kabobs, falafel, gyro slices, and hummus. | Terminal 1, Gate 115 |
| Novecientos Grados | Innovative Mexican cuisine by Tony Hawk & Chef Claudette Zepeda. | Terminal 1, Gate 115 |
| McDonald’s | Iconic burgers, fries, and breakfast favorites. | Terminal 1, Gate 115 |
| Cutwater | Award-winning canned cocktails, local spirits, and appetizers. | Terminal 1, Gate 107 |
| Phil’s B.B.Q. | Famous San Diego mesquite-grilled ribs and BBQ sandwiches. | Terminal 2 West, Gate 45 |
| Stone Brewing | Renowned local craft beer, hearty burgers, and soft pretzels. | Terminal 2 West, Gate 36 |
| PGA TOUR Grill | Full-service dining featuring appetizers, salads, and entrees. | Terminal 2 West, Gate 36 |
| Urban Crave | Gourmet “street food,” burgers, and breakfast burritos. | Terminal 2 West, Gate 48 |
| Beaudevin | Sophisticated wine bar offering tapas and small plates. | Terminal 2 West, Gate 42 |
| Prado at the Airport | Balboa Park’s favorite serving upscale soups, salads, and entrees. | Terminal 2 East, Gate 26 |
| Panda Express | Quick-service Chinese favorites and orange chicken. | Terminal 2 East, Gate 26 |
| Asian Kitchen | Offers diverse Asian cuisine, including Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese | Terminal 2 West, close to Gate 47 |
| Starbucks | Espresso-based beverages, exotic teas, icy coffee blends, espresso-based beverages | Terminal 2 West, adjacent to Gate 37 |
| Peet’s Coffee & Tea | Hand-roasted coffee, and high quality organic, rare, and herbal teas | Terminal 2 West, Central Concourse |
| Einstein Bros. Bagels | Fresh-baked bagels, coffee, sandwiches, and snacks | Terminal 2 West |
| Pannikin Coffee & Tea | Coffee roasting, fresh coffee, tea, and baked pastries | Terminal 2 West close to Gate 39 |
| McDonald’s | Burgers, fires, desserts, and more | Terminal 1 close to Gate 115 |
| Jack in the Box | Burger, tacos, and several breakfast dishes | Terminal 2, close to Gate 26 |
| Fresh Attraction | Freshly grab-and-go salads, beverages, and sandwiches | Terminal 2 East |
| California Pizza Kitchen | Pizza, salads, soups, and several breakfast items | Terminal 2 East; close to Gate 26 |
Know Before You Go:
Here are a few more updates for you to know:
- Terminal 1 Upgrades: Note that many new spots, such as The Taco Stand and Novecientos Grados, are part of the “New T1” expansion that opened in late 2025.
- Sunset Cove: If you find yourself in Terminal 2 West, make your way to Sunset Cove, where a great variety of food court options, such as Asian Kitchen and Qdoba, await you with lots of seating available.
- Walking Between Terminals: Though a person can move between the East and West sides of Terminal 2 through the security area, the whole of Terminal 1 is independent of the others. You cannot walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 without exiting and re-clearing security.
Hidden & Lesser-Known SAN Diego International Airport Places to Eat
Here is your guide to the hidden and lesser-known gems inside the SAN terminal lounges.
- Quiet Lounges with Quality Dining
Some of the best places to eat at SAN International Airport are disguised as premium lounges. Aspire Lounge in Terminal 2, between Gates 23 and 33, is a great option if you are looking for a nice, quiet place to enjoy some food and drinks, have a cocktail and a nap in one of their comfy chairs while most of the travellers pass through the busy concourse.
- A Taste of Southern California Style
Chase Sapphire Lounge, nestled between Gates 46 and 47 of Terminal 2, combines a stylish place to eat with a great design. Drawing on San Diego’s coastal culture, it offers a menu of chef-driven dishes from Oscar’s Mexican Seafood and Groundwork Coffee, along with handpicked wines from Parcelle.
- Airline Lounges Worth Discovering
Travelers flying with Delta or United can indulge in complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seats in the Delta Sky Club or the United Club located at the Terminal 2 Mezzanine. These lounges offer a calmer environment and more nutritious meals than typical terminal food outlets.
- A Special Space for Service Members
The USO Lounge, located on Terminal 2 Level 2, is a place where service members and their families can enjoy refreshments and receive helpful service. While it’s not a typical restaurant, it’s definitely one of the most fun secret places to relax and recharge at the SAN.
Conclusion
Are you hungry for a quick bite, a full meal, or a quiet lounge to relax and unwind? San Diego International Airport (SAN) has a number of restaurants and eateries to meet the needs of any traveler and schedule. From local San Diego cuisine to quick, easy grab-and-go options, and secret lounge hideouts, a guide to the SAN Diego Airport restaurants can turn your wait into an enjoyable time and your trip into a good memory.
FAQs
Yes. San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers plenty to do while you wait. Enjoy diverse dining options, relax in premium lounges like the Aspire or Chase Sapphire Lounge, browse local shops, explore rotating art exhibits, or simply unwind in comfortable seating areas with airfield views.
At the new San Diego terminal, you will come across a great variety of food and drink options such as Ambrogio 15, Better Buzz, McDonald’s, Novocientos Grados, The Taco Stand, and so on.
Fish tacos are a staple in San Diego, and the city is renowned for them. Freshly battered or grilled fish, topped with cabbage, crema, and salsa, showcase the city’s coastal location and its strong Mexican influence, making fish tacos an essential local specialty to try.
San Diego International Airport has a McDonald’s. The location is in Terminal 1, near Gate 115, so it is an easy and convenient place to grab a quick meal or snack before your flight.
You can easily spend four hours at the San Diego airport by having a delicious meal, resting in a lounge, shopping, discovering art exhibits, using free Wi-Fi for work or streaming, watching airplanes at the gates, or just having a coffee and relaxing.